Analysis of spatiotemporal partitioning is pivotal to shed light on interspecific coexistence. Most research effort has involved large-sized carnivores and their prey, whereas little attention has been devoted to lagomorphs. We assessed spatiotemporal overlap among the European brown hare Lepus europaeus and its potential competitors and predators through camera-trapping in an area in Central Italy. We estimated the interspecific patterns of the spatiotemporal activity rhythms of brown hares, its potential predators (the red fox Vulpes vulpes, the pine marten Martes martes, the domestic cat Felis catus, and the domestic dog Canis familiaris), and a competitor, the roe deer Capreolus capreolus. Brown hare activity was studied in natural conditions as well as in a fenced area that excluded terrestrial predators and competitors. Free-ranging hares developed a more nocturnal behavior to avoid diurnal predators (i.e., domestic carnivores and martens). Although high temporal overlap was observed between free-ranging brown hares and both red foxes (82%) and roe deer (81%), hares avoided fox by being more active on darkest nights, as well as avoided roe deer through spatial partitioning. We suggest that hares may adapt their spatiotemporal behavior to avoid potential predators and competitors.

Paracetamol is responsible for acute liver failure in humans and experimental animals when taken at high doses and transformed into a reactive metabolite by the liver cytochrome P450. On the other hand, nutmeg is rich with many phytochemical ingredients that are known for their ability to inhibit cytochrome P450. Hence, the present experiment was aimed at studying the hepatoprotective effect of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg), kernel extract (MFKE) in respect to paracetamol (acetaminophen; N-acetyl-p-amino-phenol (APAP))-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, focusing on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. Liver toxicity was induced in rats by a single oral administration of APAP (2 g/kg). To evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of MFKE against this APAP-induced hepatotoxicity, rats were pre-treated with either oral administration of MFKE at 300 mg/kg daily for seven days or silymarin at 50 mg/kg as a standard hepatoprotective agent. APAP intoxication caused a drastic elevation in liver function markers (transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin), oxidative stress indicators (lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide), inflammatory biomarkers (tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and nuclear factor ĸB) and the pro-apoptotic BCL2 Associated X (Bax) and caspases-3 genes. Furthermore, analyses of rat liver tissue revealed that APAP significantly depleted glutathione and inhibited the activities of antioxidant enzymes in addition to downregulating two key anti-apoptotic genes: Cellular FLICE (FADD-like IL-1β-converting enzyme)-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Pre-treatment with MFKE, however, attenuated APAP-induced liver toxicity by reversing all of these toxicity biomarkers. This hepatoprotective effect of MFKE was further confirmed by improvement in histopathological findings. Interestingly, the hepatoprotective effect of MFKE was comparable to that offered by the reference hepatoprotector, silymarin. In conclusion, our results revealed that MFKE had antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, and it is suggested that this hepatoprotective effect could be linked to its ability to promote the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant responsive element (ARE) pathway.

The genus Hystrix includes eight species of porcupines distributed in Eurasia and Africa, across a broad latitudinal gradient. Our aim was to assess whether porcupine skulls: (1) allow for a reliable interspecific distinction; (2) change in size proportionally with body size; (3) follow the Bergmann's rule. We measured 235 Hystrix skulls from museums and private collections. We tested for differences in skull size and we assessed whether variability in skull shape allows species recognition through a multivariate approach. All Hystrix species considered could be reliably identified by skull shape. Skull size was correlated with body size and species differed in skull shape and size, with skulls of Hystrix javanica and Hystrix africaeaustralis being respectively the smallest and the largest ones. Within Hystrix cristata, the Mediterranean and the sub‐Saharan clades differed for both skull size and shape. Using skull size, we could distinguish among African, mainland Italian and Sicilian populations. Skull size of this species decreased in size for increasing latitude values, contrary to prediction by the Bergmann's rule. Such latitudinal pattern may depend on the adaption of H. cristata to Equatorial African conditions, where the species evolved. In Italy (where H. cristata was introduced in the VI Century AD) and in North Africa, a smaller body size may be due to the local climate, or to a ‘founder effect’.

The Egyptian red fox (Vulpes vulpes aegyptiaca) and Egyptian Baladi dog (Canis familiaris) are two members of the Family Canidae that are widely distributed in Egypt. The skulls of different Canid species vary greatly in their size and shape; therefore, they can be used as a tool to study the evolution and evolutionary history of these animals. The craniometric measurements are crucial for species identification and determination of the specific sites for nerve blocks. The present study compared the craniometric measurements of the red fox and Baladi dog skulls by measuring 47 parameters on each skull and calculation of 8 indices. The red fox skull had significantly lower values of 41 craniometric measurements (approximately 87% of the measurements done), including skull length, width, and height, cranial length and width, palatal and mandibular length, and dental measurements. In contrast, the red fox had significantly higher values of only 3 measurements (approximately 6% of the measurements done) including the tympanic bulla measurement. While only three skull measurements did not differ significantly between the red fox and dog. Statistics revealed that domestic dog had significantly higher values of foramen magnum and palatine indices, and significantly lower value of nasal index than those of red fox. The present work reported variations in the gross and craniometric measurements of skull between the red fox and dog. The measured cranial parameters of both adult animals provide valuable information that can be used in ecological studies, comparative anatomy, and clinical veterinary sciences.

This study investigated the susceptibility of female C57Bl/6 and Swiss Albino mice to oxidative stress and neurotransmitters activity induced by Plasmodium berghei. On day 9 p.i. with P. berghei infected erythrocytes, the mice reduced in weight. This weight loss was markedly higher in SW mice and reached about −14%. Also, the infection was able to cause oxidative damage to the brain tissue. Catalase activity as well as glutathione, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels were different in the two mice strains. Moreover, the brain content of neurotransmitters, epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin in mice brain was higher in SW mice than B6 mice. We concluded that, the strain of mice is one factor that could alter the response of mice to P. berghei infection.

Alien animals cause drastic and negative impacts on biota and ecosystems. The feral donkey Equus asinus is an invasive alien species in Saudi Arabia. Damage of farms and plant consumed by feral donkeys were studied in the area between Al-Ula and Al-Wajh governorates in order to spot their harmful effects in this region and to propose possible solutions to the problems they caused. Surveys and direct interviews and conversations with farmers and villagers were the selected methods used to collect information. Prevention, and management actions were suggested to decrease numbers of feral donkeys. A useful investment potential was proposed to get some benefits from them.